1885-86.] Edinburgh Naturalists' Field Club. 325 



come to recognise the beauty and interest and instruction — nay, 

 eA'en the utility — there is in the study of little things. I have 

 often thought that the most appropriate epitaph on the tomb of 

 Charles Darwin would be, " He showed the power of little things." 

 Let this motto be the watchword of each of us ; and though we 

 may not all be able to devote hours to patient study in the company 

 of our " Mercury," yet we may do much by interesting those around 

 us. Friend may encourage friend, parents may direct their chil- 

 dren, teachers their pupils. The cry is raised at the present time, 

 and justly too, that in our system of education no provision is made 

 for teaching the young to use their hands neatly and well. Now, 

 I think it may be accepted as a general axiom that the man or 

 woman who can use well the hands, will not be lacking in qualities 

 of the head. I know of no teaching which would so thoroughly 

 train our youth to cultivate habits of neat-handedness, observation, 

 reflection, and expression, as a course of practical microscopic study. 

 If for our young ladies pianos are provided at a cost of from twenty to 

 sixty guineas, to cultivate a minor part of their nature, surely for 

 them, and for boys also, microscopes of two or three guineas in value 

 could be got. I do not consider that I am too sanguine when I 

 expect that within the next twenty years a complete course of the 

 nature indicated will be provided in our schools. No work so well 

 combines manual and mental training, capable of being carried out 

 in limited space. It will bring our youth also face to face with 

 the beauties and deep things of Nature — a pleasure which has too 

 long been denied them by the bigotry and prejudice of hide-bound 

 dominies and their patrons. 



And now let me say a few words on the past success, present 

 aims, and future j^rospects of our own Society. First, I may be 

 allowed to congratulate those members who were the originators 

 of our microscopic department. Most of them are quiet workers, 

 but I trust that equal success may attend the labours of all quiet 

 workers. We are now entering on the third series of meetings ; 

 the programme, as partially drafted out, j^romises to be even more 

 attractive and instructive than those of the past ; new members are 

 joining us, and new departures are being made to interest and help 

 those already with us. Chief amongst these, I may note the forma- 

 tion of a Slide-cabinet, the contents of which will be given out at 

 stated periods for home examination. Already a considerable col- 

 lection of slides has been made, and further donations are re- 

 quested from all. I hope that by the close of the session the 

 Society may boast the possession of a large series of preparations. 



AVell, in order that such valuable possessions may be properly 

 accommodated, it is absolutely necessary that we should have " a 

 local habitation " as well as " a name." I am greatly pleased to 

 announce that in this building such has been got ; and it is proposed 



